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GERALD ALLAN AKERSTREAM
Born: Jun 03, 1929
Date of Passing: Jul 15, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERALD ALLAN AKERSTREAM
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Akerstream at the age of 95. Born on June 3, 1929, Dad came into this world in the backseat of his uncle's Chevrolet on the Arlington Street bridge.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Susan Akerstream; his wife Kathie; and his brother Raymond. His dad passed when he was only one.
Growing up in Elmwood became the source of many happy memories and funny stories. He started working at a young age to help support his family by delivering newspapers, working as a bell boy at the Royal Alexander Hotel and setting pins at a bowling alley. Inspired by the Saturday Jazz radio show, he purchased his first trumpet and over the years built an extensive collection of jazz records, which he listened to daily. It was in Elmwood that he had his first exposure to the railroad, which led to a lifelong love, appreciation and career of 38 years as a boilermaker with CNR.
Fate would change his life forever when he moved to St. Boniface in 1947 and met Kathie Minchuk, to whom he would be married for 66 years. Kathie was the love of his life, and they were inseparable until her passing in 2018. Together they settled on Giroux Street where they happily raised five children. As a devoted father, Dad spent countless hours in hockey rinks, at baseball diamonds, horse stables and gymnasiums. Dad was always there to support his children and encourage their interests.
Family was central to his life and spending time with them was his most cherished pastime. Dad was immensely proud and devoted to his children: Diane (David), Jerry (Karen), Tom (Karen), Ken (Carol) and Sandra. He was deeply loved and will forever be remembered by his cherished grandchildren: Jeremy (Kusham), Nicole (Justin), Jesse (Tammy), Cole (Stephanie), Krista (Bret), Kyle (Stephanie), Kaitlin (Trevor), Daniel (Vanessa), Arly and Colin; and his 18 great-grandchildren. Dad was also blessed by the love and support of his nephews, the Malkowichs; Daniel, Ronald, Walter, Gary, Brian and their families. Dad was also known for his generosity and kindness.
Dad volunteered at the Shriners for many years. He was always happy to share a smile, a dollar to buy a treat and lend a helping hand when needed. His many friends included members of the classic car club, fellow jazz fans, license plate aficionados, coworkers, neighbours, the Tuesday Breakfast club, and golf partners. Dad was an avid golfer consistently shooting in the 80s. A special thank you to Randy for his more than 50 years of friendship.
More than anything Dad will be remembered for his wit, his humour and his demeanour. He always encouraged education, telling us that knowledge was a light load to carry. His interests included music, collectables, books and engineering which he loved to share his views on. Blessed with an inquisitive mind and gifted mathematically, Dad had an amazing talent designing and constructing projects out of paper, cardboard, wood and string to figure out how things would work. Completing crosswords, crypto quotes and sudokus was a challenge he enjoyed daily. Whenever possible, he would share his love of music; playing his trumpet and jazz music for everyone who dropped by for a visit. Dad was well known for greeting guests with “how about a beer?”
In his last days Dad maintained his humour and good nature, telling his doctor that the only thing he was allergic to was hard work. It is for these reasons and so many more that Dad touched the lives of the residents and staff at Extendicare Tuxedo Villa. We are thankful to them all for their care and support.
Though we are saddened by his passing and know that the void he leaves cannot be filled, it is a comfort to know that he passed peacefully while surrounded by family.
In keeping with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will not be held.
For those who knew him, we hope that you will listen to Bunny Berigan's version of "I Can't Get Started", in honour of his memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2024, Aug 24, 2024
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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It was a pleasure to have met Mr. Akerstream, always joking around and with a smile of his face. - Posted by: Karla Munoz Ferrada (Staff) on: Sep 23, 2024
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I have such lovely memories of Mr. Akerstream and thought about him and Mrs. Akerstream throughout my life. They were so kind to me. I loved being at the house. Mr. Akerstream was a gem. He always made me laugh. I loved when he would give King a bottle of coke. I will never forget him. Nancy Cockburn (Stewart) - Posted by: Nancy Stewart (Sandy’s old friend.) on: Sep 08, 2024
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Saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry. Remembering our years together since childhood and our lifelong friendship. Hugh and I had nothing but happy memories of Gerry and Kathie. Our condolences and love, Joyce, Karen, Bev, Pam and Sandy. - Posted by: Joyce Paulley (Friend ) on: Sep 03, 2024
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We offer our deepest sympathy to all of the Akerstream family. Here's to a good man, the life he lived, the many hearts he touched, and the legacy he has left behind. Most sincerely and with our love.....Chris and Dave - Posted by: Chris Carpenter and Dave Henry (Family Friends) on: Sep 02, 2024
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Our families were part & parcel of each other, all of us going to school together, playing in Happylsbd Park, my mom working for Minchuk Catering, my Dad driving all the ladies to work in his 9-passenger station wagon. My heart breaks for you, but in know that your Dad‘s memories will always be alive in our hearts. - Posted by: Christine (Hallem) Ward (Family friend) on: Aug 25, 2024
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My condolences to the family. I knew Gerry through my father, George Bain Sr. He worked with Gerry as a boilermaker at the Transcona shops. Dad told me of Gerry's love of jazz and his extensive record collection. George Senior passed away in 2017. I will always remember Dad's stories of Gerry and his fellow workers at the CNR. - Posted by: George Bain (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2024
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I knew Mr Ackerstream very well. He was always seen rooting his family on any sporting event. As for the family and friends my condolences. He will be missed. - Posted by: will tataryn (family acquaintance) on: Aug 25, 2024
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Back many years ago Gerry and a small group of us preserved Manitoba's history of licensing by collecting the plates and writing up history. I have many plates from Gerry back in the day and we would always talk plates when I watched my son's hockey games and he was watching his grandson. A true gentleman. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the family - Posted by: Ross Metcalfe (friend) on: Aug 25, 2024
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Sending the Akerstream Families my deepest condolences. He will be missed. Steve Mikos & Family - Posted by: Steve mikos (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2024
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My condolences. What a long and full life your father lived. - Posted by: Jo-Ann (Poirier) Perrin (Friend of Dianne’s ) on: Aug 24, 2024
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My family lived next dr. for 40 yrs. The best neighbors. I always heard hi Kath how u doing. He helped me a lot with a particular school subject. Also heard him a lot playing his trumpet loved it.. miss him and Kathie... I could go on....but miss them both, condolences to ALL the Akerstream family.. - Posted by: Kathleen Edgar (Next dr neighbor for 40 yrs) on: Aug 24, 2024
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I am sorry for your loss. I just listened to ‘I can’t get started’ which takes you back in time. Take care, Akerstream family. - Posted by: Jocelyn Greenwood (Friend of family ) on: Aug 24, 2024
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I only met Tom's Dad once, shortly after Tom and Karen bought their home. We were both over to help Tom with leveling his home. I really got a kick out of how we were both able to tease Tom. Now that I have read Gerald's obituary, I can see where Tom got his love of design, building, and possibly both his sense of humor and his affability with people. Sheila and I wish the family all the best, during this time of sorrow. However it sounds like Gerald will live on in hearts and stories for all who knew him. - Posted by: Grant McVicar (Friend of Tom) on: Aug 24, 2024
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Tom and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.😔🙏 - Posted by: Marlene Kuleza (Retired co-worker) on: Aug 24, 2024
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Jeremy / Kusham, sorry for the loss of your grandfather. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Dave Lysyk (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2024